Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Factors affecting the property in 1999*
- Housing
International Assistance: requests for the property until 1999
Total amount approved : 0 USD
Missions to the property until 1999**
Information presented to the Bureau of the World Heritage Committee in 1999
Summary of previous deliberations: Not applicable except the following history of the International Safeguarding Campaign 1960’ – 1970’ for information:
The Campaign was launched to safeguard the site from the construction of the Aswan High Dam in Egypt, which would flood the valley containing the Abu Simbel Temples, a treasure of ancient Egyptian civilization. In 1959, UNESCO decided to launch an international campaign after an appeal from the Governments of Egypt and Sudan. Archaeological research in the areas to be flooded was accelerated. Above all, the Abu Simbel and Philae Temples were dismantled, moved to dry ground and reassembled.
New information: In early 1999, the Centre was informed that new structures were being built in front of the Abu Simbel Temples, which would seriously affect the value of the site. Immediately upon receipt of the news, the Centre requested the UNESCO Cairo Office to investigate the situation at the site. Consequently, the Office reported to the Centre on 29 April that the Egyptian authorities had ordered the constructions to be interrupted. On 20 May, the Office delivered further information to the Centre that the Minister of Culture had given orders to demolish the construction works of the building facing the Abu Simbel Temples. The Centre has requested the Egyptian Government to confirm the demolition of the constructions.
Action Required
The Bureau having examined the state of the conservation of the property, commends the Egyptian authorities for this speedy decision and recommends that an integrated management plan of this important and monumental site be prepared.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 1999
23 BUR IV.B.57
Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae (Arab Republic of Egypt)
The Secretariat informed the Bureau that the structure erected opposite the Abu Simbel Temple for a sound and light project had been removed. Consequently, after examination of the state of conservation of the site, the Bureau congratulated the Egyptian authorities on this rapid action and recommended the preparation of an integrated management plan for this important ensemble of monuments.
Egypt
* :
The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).
** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.
